O2 delivery

O2 delivery devices 

Nasal Cannula

• Mobile, can eat and drink

• Low flow 1-6 L/min, 24-44%

• Is impacted by room air and breathing patterns 

• COPD pt can take up tp 2L/min 

• Plastic can irritate skin→ use 2X2 or Kleenex

• Can fall off easily

• Causes dryness and pain at rate higher than 4

O2 conserving cannula

• For long-term o2 use, at the hospital or home

• Mustache or pendant-type

• Built-in reservoir allows for higher o2 at a lower flow → 30-50%

• Expensive and hard to clean 

Simple face mask

• Quick o2 delivery for short-term use

• Low flow, 6-12L/min from 35-50%

• Also provides humidity

• Wash and dry every 2 hours, min 5L needed

• Not comfy, hard and can cause skin breakdown, must be removed for food and water

Partial rebreathing mask

• Light and easy to use

• Low flow 6-10 L/min from 40-60% o2

• Useful for low blood o2 

• The bag cannot be deflated

• Expired air can flow back

• Can be used with humidity and for copd patients 

Non-rebreathing mask

• High concentration and accurate delivery of o2, expired air can flow back

• 60-90%

• The mask should fit snugly and the bag can't deflate

• It's an immediate fix to dessating

• No humidity 

Venturi mask 

• Precise high flow rates of o2

• Good for COPD as it gives low constant rates, not affected by room air or breathing patterns 

• 24% 28% 31% 35% 40% 50%

• Uncomfy, can cause skin breakdown, can't eat or drink